LinkedIn aims to make career networking even easier with new app

By Quinten Plummer, Tech Times | July 10, 1:57 PM

In an effort to help users strengthen professional bonds with others in their LinkedIn network, LinkedIn upgraded its standalone Contacts app and re-branded it as LinkedIn Connected.

Officially it's version 2.0 of the Contacts app, but the revamped and renamed Connected app was said to build on the foundation of the original app by incorporating elements that better facilitate the growth of bonds between networked users.

David Brubacher, head of LinkedIn's mobile and desktop relationships products, said in a blog post on LinkedIn's website the Connected app and its notifications will enable users to seize valuable opportunities to, well, connect with others.

"We know you'd love to reach out and catch up with everyone in your network over coffee, but that isn't always possible," stated Brubacher. "Connected gives you relevant, and timely, reasons to reach out and keep in touch with the people in your network. This app helps you invest in your relationships today, so opportunities blossom for you tomorrow."

With the ability to recall previous conversations and review information about a contact, Connected equips users with valuable intel to avoid conversational blunders and keep interactions with business associates positive.

The Connected app replaces the Contacts apps in a stable of standalone apps that include LinkedIn Recruiter, LinkedIn Job Search, Pulse, Talent Connect 2014 and the core LinkedIn app. Parker Barrile, VP of product for LinkedIn Talent Solutions, said his company will continue to develop standalone apps each time it finds an audience of professionals that could benefit from the new software.

"Mobile apps work best when they are very focused on one specific use case or value proposition," Barrile said. "So whenever we see a use case among our members that we believe is meaningful enough or broadly based enough to merit its own app, we'll build that app."

Use of the new LinkedIn Connected app was said by LinkedIn to help users receive up to seven times more endorsements, six times more profile views and four times more InMail messages than individuals would encounter without using the app. So far it is available only for iOS.

"When we launched LinkedIn Contacts just over a year ago, our goal was to help you bring all your contacts from your address books, email accounts and calendars together, so you could combine them with the power of your LinkedIn network," stated Brubacher. "What we found is that you wanted more. You wanted a smarter, easier way to keep in touch with your connections and to strengthen your relationships and that's why our Contacts app has become our new Connected app."